A select number of players were on hand in Las Vegas last month for the NHL Awards ceremony. St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo was not among them, but judging by his performance in the recently completed season, he could become a regular in Vegas -- possibly beginning next year.

Pietrangelo finished fourth in the Norris Trophy voting behind winner Erik Karlsson; Shea Weber was the runner-up followed by Zdeno Chara. But instead of reveling in his personal accomplishments of last season that included career highs in goals (12), assists (39), points (51) and games played (81), Pietrangelo's thoughts were more on what might have been for a Blues team that finished with the second-best mark in franchise history.

"The worst thing was watching the Kings win the Cup knowing that could have been us," said Pietrangelo, who helped the Blues to a 49-22-11 record and 109 points.

At times it's hard to imagine that Pietrangelo is only 22, because he shows maturity beyond his years. The King City, Ontario, native is appreciative of the accolades that have started to come his way and the countless awards he could be up for in the future. However, it's obvious winning is what matters most.